After losses, Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy is the picture of gloom and doom.

But after a night’s sleep, he usually wakes with a more realistic viewpoint of the situation.

While going through the skid of losing 11 of 15 games, Van Gundy was aware that once the Pistons returned from their recent five-game trip against the Western Conference, the opportunity would be there to make up ground in the Eastern Conference playoff chase.

The Pistons have won three straight and will go for four in a row Monday when the three-game home stand concludes against the Sacramento Kings (7:30, FS Detroit). Even after the time at home, the Pistons have played 24 road games. They are tied with the Orlando Magic for most road games in East.

And all those competitors for playoff spots? They face road-heavy schedules the rest of the way.

“Washington, right now, is three games ahead of us,” Van Gundy said Sunday. “They play 15 of their last 21 on the road. They have two West Coast trips in their last 21 games.

“Just because you’ve played 45 games, doesn’t mean equal schedules or everything else. That hasn’t been the case.”

That doesn’t mean the Pistons can continue to be inconsistent. Van Gundy will still look to shore up weaknesses.

But the Pistons are primed for a playoff push.

Injury update: Van Gundy is doubtful Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (left shoulder) will be available vs. the Kings, although he is closer after missing the last four games.